what's the most musical BIG speaker for small tubes????

John Bauder · « **Reply #60 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 03:35 am »

I love my Jaguars but my system is much more modest than yours.

2bigears · « **Reply #61 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 05:16 am »

someone stop me now if you think i am going in the wrong direction,but i am now thinkin' on a set of VSA DB-99's for the little VAC to drive.this saves about 5000.00 bucks and the 99's have a good rep from what i have read????

zybar · « **Reply #62 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 10:45 am »

Quote from: 2bigears

someone stop me now if you think i am going in the wrong direction,but i am now thinkin' on a set of VSA DB-99's for the little VAC to drive.this saves about 5000.00 bucks and the 99's have a good rep from what i have read????

I haven't heard the DB-99's outside of a show, so take my comments with that in mind - if you can afford the Vandy 5A's, buy them!! Listening to them again the other day, they will be the last speakers you need to buy.

If the VAC doesn't have enough to drive them, I bet the CI-Audio D-200's would be a great match.

George

2bigears · « **Reply #63 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 02:36 pm »

zybar,you sound stoked on the 5a's.they must be good ,but i really can't find the scratch.the cheapest i can get them is 15k,plus i may need an amp change.also,can you tell me if set-up is very-very difficult as some people have said to me????[bass unit]truly wish i could hear these speakers,or for that matter the 99's.cheers

miklorsmith · « **Reply #64 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 02:59 pm »

No no no, all these guys are wrong, what you really need is the Perfecto 9000. It does everything right and nothing wrong and 10/10 audiophiles say there's no need to spend more because it's, well, perfect.

Ooo. Except the original post was "best big speaker for small tubes". The Perfectos are only 74 db efficient. You'll need to biamp Extreme Hurricanes to play them. Are those small enough tubes?

Seriously, it seems you're trying to decide on speakers with no system context or idea what you really want them to do. I implore you - please go listen to some of this stuff.

Suppose you go buy something based on sage advice received via computer screen. Do you have well-matched amplification on-hand? Probably not. So, you run out and buy whatever flavor-of-the-month people are glowing about. So now you have an amp you don't know running speakers you don't know. Probably, you'll say "This sounds great".

But, for how long? There is bound to be tons of buzz about the stuff you didn't buy. If you buy something that isn't tube-friendly, you never scratch the itch you had when you originally posted. You may find that your brand-new SS, lo-eff rig isn't pushing your musical buttons after a time.

What now? What's to blame? You don't know because you didn't establish a personal sense of what all these choices do well, what they don't, and how those priorities mesh with your own. You'll be left going back to the audio boards for more disparate but sincere and well-meaning advice from people that want you to be happy but don't live in your skin.

1. SPECIAL CAUTION if you're buying anything new.
2. SPECIAL CAUTION if you're buying something big and heavy. See how fun it is to crate and ship 150 lb speakers.

If you're bound and determined to go in a wholly new direction, start with something simpler, smaller, and second-hand. I built Fostex boxes to see what I thought about single-drivers. That might not be right for you, but you get the point.

Carpenter's credo - measure twice, cut once.

2bigears · « **Reply #65 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 04:52 pm »

rodger that,i hear you loud and clear.that 9000 speaker,do you have a price,sounds perfect???? i know i have been flip-floppin' like a chicken with it's head cut off.your credo is a good one,me being a carpenter:on expensive trim sometimes you measure more than twice,and then sometimes you cut twice and it's still too short???? a decision will be made shortly, and this post will ride off into the sunset......thks for all that tried to help,it's really appreciated.darn snowy country with no good shops!!!!

miklorsmith · « **Reply #66 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 05:37 pm »

Are the Def's perfect? Of course not. They don't bring the band into my room. But, it's surprising how close they come, especially with the newly arrived Small Tubes. Aside - the 'small' 45's are pretty big!

I really wish you all the best. I have been through the many-speaker process. It isn't very fun, takes a long time, and if I did it all again, I would have made more of a point to hear instead of reading.

Case in point - A couple of years I got the Gallo Ref. 3's. I mated them to a PS Audio HCA-2. Reading all the awards from professional reviewers, who could possibly go wrong with this combo? I also had a Modwright pre and CDP, for different reasons. I thought it was a very good sound and I was happy with it, I guess.

Then I found AC because of all the talk about the Clari-T. I decided I had to try one but had no speakers for it. So, I built the Fostexes, heard them, and put the Gallos up for sale immediately. This personal experience told me I was running the wrong direction and that a change of course was needed. I've been following that Way since then, and it's taken a while to make the smaller corrections but I'm feeling the end of hand-wringing and wondering is near.

I'll still be interested in new gear and my passion for the equipment as well as the music will not go away, but the doubt of what is missing will soon become a curiosity instead of a neurosis.

I've been there, forever it seems. I didn't get through it the cheapest or most efficient way. Yes it was fun, and new gear is cool, but it's a bad investment generally and it's like pinning Jello to a wall trying to figure out where to go and how to get there.

Yet, this is the Biggest Question of Audiophilia for most. Why? Most listeners do not know what they really want. Sure, they'll be able to tell you with words, but within their own minds they don't understand what that all means within their own ear/brain interface. If you don't believe me, check Agon any day of the year and see how many CDP's/amps/speakers/whatever are being sold. Every single piece was bought new at some point.

I don't mean everyone, and I'm as guilty as anyone. If you're a music lover first and an audiophile second, you're lucky. If you're both in equal doses or, *gasp* a gearhead first, listening to as much as you can will save untold time, lost $$, and stress of the magic you're missing.

2bigears · « **Reply #67 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 06:35 pm »

nicely said,and thks for that.like you said,i need to see some dealers,and sit--and listen.there is a JM LAB dealer close by.thks much.

toobluvr · « **Reply #68 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 06:47 pm »

Quote from: miklorsmith

.......Seriously, it seems you're trying to decide on speakers with no system context or idea what you really want them to do. I implore you - please go listen to some of this stuff .

I have been following 2bigears journey in assembling a system.
If you've been paying attention, you will know that he lives in some remote wilderness up in Canada, and is unable to listen to stuff.

So he has no choice but to buy unheard. In this set of circumstances, best he can do is his due diligence on the research and gathering of opinions, assemble a short list, and then take the plunge on something based on gut, instinct, and consensus. Not ideal, but given the situation, what else is there?

The approach is legitimate, and with patience and a disciplined approach, a great system can be assembled with very little financial loss.

Going about it this way means buying new is out of the question. There will be stumbles and missteps along the way, and financial loss must be minimized. He needs to buy used at good (ie low) prices to minimize resale losses.

This may not be the best or most direct route for most of us, but it is the only one for him.

I apologize to 2bigears if I have mischaracterized his situation, made any mistakes, or spoken out of turn.
But this is my understanding of his dilemma, and why he is seeking good input here.

toobluvr · « **Reply #69 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 06:59 pm »

Quote from: zybar

I just heard the Vandy 5A + darTZeel preamp/amp combo and I am still thinking WOW!!!

You know that I don't impress easily...this was extremely impressive.

George

When he was looking to replace his Kharmas a few months ago, I pushed my DZ buddy hard, and I mean hard! , to consider the Vandy 5A.
Mainly because I've heard them and hold them in very high regard.

But he went with Marten Designs Coltrane instead.

Kindof disappointing for me.

Until I can have the 5A in my own home, would love to have a pair just a stone's throw away.

miklorsmith · « **Reply #70 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 07:02 pm »

At the prices for gear being discussed here, I think flying to a metropolitan area and spending a few days visiting audio salons would be a wise investment.

zybar · « **Reply #71 on:** 21 Apr 2006, 07:07 pm »

Quote from: miklorsmith

At the prices for gear being discussed here, I think flying to a metropolitan area and spending a few days visiting audio salons would be a wise investment.

Depends...

Very few stores are setup properly and allow you to hear the equipment so that it is close to its potential IMHO.

I would try to find individuals who will allow you to come over and hear their system. I think that will give you a better idea of what the gear can do and if it is to your liking.

If you go to a metropolitan area, you should be able to do both anyway.

George

213Cobra · « **Reply #72 on:** 14 May 2006, 12:45 am »

13 x 17 room

Medium loud music - all types

30 watt tube amp

Sing softly - less analytical

Bigger sound - engulfed in music

Totally disappear - non fatiguing

Easy to live with and $10,000 to spend?

Zu Definitions, perfect match to these requirements. I power mine with either 30 watt Audiopax 88 monoblocks or 26 watt Audion Black Shadow 845 monoblocks, the Audions being the more VAC-like sound of the two. 60-day mbt in your home. Order them with the Zu break-in.

Phil

toobluvr · « **Reply #73 on:** 14 May 2006, 03:34 am »

Quote from: 213Cobra

......
Zu Definitions, perfect match to these requirements. I power mine with either 30 watt Audiopax 88 monoblocks or 26 watt Audion Black Shadow 845 monoblocks, the Audions being the more VAC-like sound of the two. 60-day mbt in your home. Order them with the Zu break-in.

Phil

I believe that 2bigears did indeed order a pair of Zu Definitions.....

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #74 on:** 14 May 2006, 05:34 am »

Quote from: toobluvr

Quote from: 213Cobra
......
Zu Definitions, perfect match to these requirements. I power mine with either 30 watt Audiopax 88 monoblocks or 26 watt Audion Black Shadow 845 monoblocks, the Audions being the more VAC-like sound of the two. 60-day mbt in your home. Order them with the Zu break-in.

Phil

I believe that 2bigears did indeed order a pair of Zu Definitions.....

Yep....heres the list....posted here......[/list:u]

2bigears · « **Reply #75 on:** 14 May 2006, 05:38 pm »

the Zu boys are going to ship monday.they are very accommodating to deal with.they gave me a good grace period as well as a 350 hr run-in on the speakers.i don't think they get to many returns,but it's a good policy to have on the back burner just in case the sound you get is really not what your after.----Tweek Geek informs me that the Dodd units will ship around first part of July.hope that works out.i don't like buying new,but if this gear sounds nice,it's money well wasted.

just got back from Hollywood North{Vancouver} where we saw Joe Satriani in a bar,too cool!!

lazydays · « **Reply #76 on:** 16 May 2006, 03:40 pm »

Quote from: lonewolfny42

Athens Audio Club had a listening session with the D-2's...... report is here.......
..... Specifications:

Tweeter: Beryllium TAD-4001
Woofers: 15" custom bass drivers
Sensitivity: 98dB @ 1W/1M
Impedance: 4 ohms nominal
Frequency: 28-20k (-3dB)
Power Handling: 200 watts
Crossover Frequency: 760Hz
Size: 28" w x 31" d x 70" h
Weight: 600 lbs ea.

[/list:u]

4 ohm speakers are gonna be hard on a tube amp. Probably kill it in the end. How about a pair of Meadowlark Nightengales? Just think it will cause problems with a 4 ohm impedence.
gary

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #77 on:** 16 May 2006, 03:55 pm »

Too late for more suggestions....his system has been ordered :

Quote

the system is ordered,hoping it all gels as one....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

first off i would like to thank all who posted up with good advice and audio knowledge,you guys are good,a big hats off,and standing 'O'.here is what i have come up with, player---sony 999 modwright,preamp--- Dodd,new battery powered job---vac 30/30 sig mk3,all driving the Zu Definitions via their speaker cables ibis.i hope this all works together, and sounds ok, as all this stuff was bought on internet play. oppps,i didnt mean for that to rhyme.thks again all.

[/list:u]

2bigears · « **Reply #78 on:** 16 May 2006, 04:27 pm »

never too late for good thoughts.all the gear is on order... i have went for a different source.i like the idea of the modded sony,but had to try a Metronome cd2v sig. as highly recommended.also today i was emailed a good price on the DB-99,man i would love to A-B these with the Definitions.

gotta win that lottery

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #79 on:** 16 May 2006, 04:32 pm »

Quote

never too late for good thoughts...

Hope it sounds great...and your happy with the results.... [/list:u]